Help me understand what is wrong with my skin

[DYIDIY]

I hate my skin (face I mean). I don’t have major acne but have lots of blackheads, often get a few spots, small bumpy bits and it’s generally uneven color. I don’t take particular care of it regularly as I tend to alternate periods where I double clense and moisturise twice a day and times where I do the very bare minimum and forget to put the cream on at night.
Does it sound like something I could be helping with good skincare and a healthy diet?
I also go through times when I drink very little water (bad I know) but some people say it doesn’t actually make a difference on the skin.

Cutting out/down on dairy and sugar can help but there’s plenty you can improve with a good skincare routine. Consistency is key. I’d suggest you are not exfoliating enough. There’s a million and one products out there but you could try (1) salicylic acid, The Ordinary do a cheap one or (2) Alpha H liquid gold or (3) a prescription from one of the online services like Dermatica. Paula’s Choice do some good products for problematic skin too.

I would recommend buying caroline hirons book or looking at her website to get you started on tackling your concerns. X

It might be worth asking the GP if it's rosacea. Papilopustular rosacea looks like little spots. And before ruling that out, some products can make it worse so it would let you try things with more confidence.

I don't drink any water and I have fabulous skin so whilst water can make a difference for some for others it doesn't.

Sounds like you need to gently exfoliate as your pores are blocked with dead cells and you need to use an oil free moisturiser which stops the pores over producing sebum which they can do after being exfoliated.

Thanks all! I definitely almost never exfoliate. Please keep the product suggestions coming, it is my birthday in a few weeks and might treat myself to one or two nice products

I've recently signed up to a prescription skincare service, Klira.
It's expensive but they diagnosed me with rosacea and made a prescription accordingly, also has tret to tackle wrinkles.
My skin is clear and glowing 10 weeks in.

Neal's yard do lovely natural scrubs that don't dry your skin out.